1. The Fall of Rome
476 c.e.

2. Learning Targets
I can list the 4 threats to the Roman empire around 200C.E.
I can identify the date traditionally viewed as the “fall of Rome”
I can describe why Rome didn’t really “fall” on this date and give the name of the civilization that carried on in its place

3. The Roman Empire Faces Problems
Multiple threats plague the Roman Empire beginning around the year 200 C.E.
Economic issues
Foreign Invaders
Decline in values
End of Pax Romana
Death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius – 180 ACE

4. The Roman Empire Divides
Emperor Diocletian makes a bold political move to try and resolve the problems
In 284 CE, he divides the empire:
WEST
EAST
Maximian
Diocletian
Poorer
Unprotected from invasion
Wealthier
More protected

6. Emperor Constantine Makes More Reforms
Takes the throne in 312 CE
In Eastern Empire
Grants religious toleration to Christians
Edict of Milan 313 CE
He creates a new Eastern Roman capital of Constantinople
More power to the Eastern Empire

7. The Reforms Are Temporary
The reforms created by Diocletian and Constantine work, but are a short-term fix
Preserved the empire for another hundred years
They were like putting a band-aid on a bullet hole

8. Invaders Threaten the Roman Empire
Wars going on in East Asia are going to ultimately lead to the fall of Rome
These wars push the Huns, a nomadic people towards Europe.
The Huns are fierce fighters and attack the Germanic tribes living on the edge of the Roman Empire, forcing them to move into the empire
Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Vandals, etc…
The Roman Legions (army) are weakened by poor funding and a lack of loyalty and unable to stop the Germanic invasions

9. Invaders Threaten the Roman Empire

11. Invaders Threaten the Roman Empire
In the year 378 CE, the city of Rome is sacked
Signals that the end is near
The entire western Roman Empire is soon overrun.
Attila the Hun is particularly responsible for pushing into the empire as he expanded his own empire across western Asia and eastern Europe
Brutal attacks upon Germanic tribes

13. 476 CE – The Year Rome Fell
One Roman province fell after another as the Germanic tribes were pushed into the empire
Finally, in 476, the Western Roman Emperor was killed by a Visigoth leader named Odoacer, who then proclaims himself King of Italy
This marks the “fall” of Rome and the beginning of the close of the ancient world
What Caused Rome to Fall?
No Single Factor is responsible for the collapse of Rome, but it was rather a combination of four different factors

14. Romulus Augustulus
Surrenders To Odoacer

15. Military Causes
No discipline
Mercenaries
Civil wars

16. Social Causes
Values decline
Devotion to luxury
Loss of self-reliance

17. Political Causes No government support Division of Empire
East does not help West

18. Economic Causes
Heavy taxes
Population Decline
High inflation

19. Did Rome Really Fall? Rome only actually collapsed in the West
It would eventually be divided into many different kingdoms

20. Did Rome Really Fall?
The eastern Empire was not affected by the Germanic invasions and will become known as the Byzantine Empire and remain a dominant force for another 1,000 years